| Duponchelia fovealis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Crambidae |
| Genus: | Duponchelia |
| Species: | D. fovealis |
| Binomial name | |
| Duponchelia fovealis Zeller, 1847 |
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| Synonyms | |
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Duponchelia fovealis is a species of moth of the family Crambidae. It is endemic to the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, and the Canary Islands, but has extended its range to other parts of Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Canada.[1]
The first record of Duponchelia fovealis in North America was in California where live larvae were detected in a shipment of begonias at a Home Depot in Concord, Contra Costa from San Marcos, San Diego (CDFA, NAPIS, 2005). In the Spring of 2005, this species was discovered in three greenhouses in southern Ontario, Canada.[2] In July, 2010, four male moths were collected in a pheromone trap in San Diego County, California.[1] It is not known at this time if there is an established population.
On 1 November 2010, the USDA-AHIS announced that this moth was present in at least 13 U.S. states.[3]
Adult wingspan is ca. 20 mm. The moth flies from May to June depending on the location.
The larvae feed on various plants. Hosts include a wide range of mostly herbaceous ornamental plants and field crops, such as Anemone, Anthurium, Begonia, Cyclamen, Euphorbia, Gerbera, Kalanchoe, Limonium, Rosa, certain aquatic plants, corn, cucumbers, peppers, pomegranate, tomatoes, and certain herbs.[1]